My brother, his partner and I watched and cheered those who left Cith Hall for an hour or so this afternoon. A great deal of positive energy was in the air. Tears from all of us flowed as couple after couple walked out the doors beaming. Some had their hands in the air, others bashfully walked down the stairs trying keep their hands clutched together. Many were showing their love by a kiss to the crowd. Some were accompained by children, other family members (new in-laws), and friends. Watching as they held their marriage license in the air gave even us a sense of enpowerment. The Meriachi Band, Kisses from Kucinich, the passer-outers of donuts and coffee all added to the feeling of community. It had a sense of possible historic significance. Waiting five hours in the rain was not enough to deter those who apparently waited a long time to have this opportunity.
One answered, "Ten years!" to the question, "How long have you been waiting?" The two men had told us that they had been in line since 10:00 am that morning. It was now about 2:30 pm.
They're now threatening tomorrow's rush of gay couples with an estimated 11:00 cessation. We're thinking of heading down to City Hall tomorrow at 4:00 am, so David and David can also have this wonderful acknowledgement from our proud city.